May 21, 2009

Scott Linebrink expands on Jake Peavy-to-White Sox proposed deal

Scott Linebrink said he was encouraged by general manager Ken Williams on Wednesday to talk to Jake Peavy about any questions he had about the White Sox and pitching for manager Ozzie Guillen.

"I answered all of his questions but when it comes down to it, it’s his decision," Linebrink said. "I don’t think anything I said is going to sway him one way or another. He’s going to make the decision that’s best for him and his career and his family."

Linebrink played with Peavy in San Diego from 2003 to 2007, when Peavy won the National League Cy Young Award with a 19-6 record and 2.53 ERA.

"I think he will fit in well here," Linebrik said. "Of course, his stuff speaks for itself. He’s a Cy Young winner. He has the ability to go out and dominate the game and be a solid No. 1 guy. I would put his stuff up there with anyone. He’s a bulldog. He goes out there and he wants the ball. He’ll pitch late into the game and give you a chance to win."

Linebrink said Peavy has been dealing with trade rumors for several years but that he's "not looking to go anywhere else and he's kind of looking at this as his last move.

"He wants to be in a place where he has a chance to win and a place he's going to like for the remainder of his contract."

Linebrink said that staying in the National League "didn't really express that as a big concern" for Peavy.

Peavy is "a Southern guy" who enjoys hunting, Linebrink said. "He's a family man, so I think he would fit in well with a lot of the guys here. He likes to go out and have fun, but he's one of the most focused guys I've seen as far as the work he's done with each start, developing a game plan and looking at film."

Peavy could take pressure off Gavin Floyd and John Danks, Linebrink added.

"It's one more veteran guy for them to follow after and I think it certainly would strengthen the staff," Linebrink said. "It allows Buehrle to have another No. 1 (pitcher)."

Linebrink added that Peavy would fit well at U.S. Cellular Field because of his sinker and cut fastball.